If you've been following the news this past week you undoubtedly saw mentions of the fact that Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens is retiring at the age of 90. I applaud Justice Stevens for serving our country for so long. So what does the certainty of a new justice hold for you as a hunter and a firearm owner? Lots!
It's no secret that presidents appoint justices to protect their viewpoints whether it is liberal or conservative. I have no problem with that, but how far that justice leans worries me. Right now the Supreme Court is fairly balanced with a slight lean toward conservatives. That's unlikely to change for now since it is fairly certain President Obama will appoint a left-leaning justice, but hopefully one with a moderate view who views the Constitution as a solid document, not a flexible, ever-changing manuscript.
For now your second amendment rights are likely not to change even with the new appointee, but if a conservative justice were to leave or even tragically die, it could throw the balance of the courts toward a course that may not be as favorable to second amendment cases. Since the Supreme Court is the law of the land it's important to follow the court and its findings. Almost every case affects you one way or another, but one day it may affect the ability of you to go hunting and that's reason enough to watch how Justice Steven's replacement unfolds.
"I'm exercising my Constitutional rights."